chronique:
Any live stream link?

dumbiri99:

This your first try? Deficit?

handoffire:
Hmmmmmm. Where will I start from? God was really involved in my admission process and visa.
I was initially denied by the school I picked (University of Missouri, Columbia). I wrote to the graduate coordinator and asked why I was denied they said my overall Gp was low, so I told them that on the school site it was said that the Gp would be based on the last two years. They said they would review my application again, and behold I was accepted.
My profile
CGPA: 3.01/5
GRE: 303
IELTS: 7.5

The interview(Tuesday Lagos 7.45)

After My thumbprinting I turned to my left to wait for where to be directed to by the CGI because 5 windows were open. As I turned to wait for the CGI a female VO (Young lady, she was quite beautiful she should be in her mid twenties) directly opposite me just gestured with her hand that I should come forward, I was still arranging the other documents from my thumbprinting.

V.O: before I arrive pass me your I-20 ( I guess she saw the Ups envelope with me so she knew I was a student)
ME: okay am coming(while looking for it, she requested my passport since it was in my hand)
VO: Where are you going to (She started typing, I didn't hear her properly)
ME: I didn't get you ma (I moved my ear closer to the glass cos she was speaking Very fast)
VO: She repeated the question
ME: University of Missouri Columbia
VO: What are you going to study?
ME: Mechanical Engineering, sorry Master Mechanical Engineering (I handed her my I-20)(My program was actually Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering but only M.E was written on my I-20)
VO: what have you been doing
ME: I finished my Bsc August 2017, went for my service January to Dec 2018 (cuts in)
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
ME: 5 Schools
VO: Mention them
ME: California State University
VO: She muttered something
ME: ehn, come again ma, ( I put my ear closer to the window)
VO: which of the CSU
ME: oh the one at Fullerton, CSUF
VO: were you admitted?
ME: Yes, am with the admission letter should I bring it out?
VO:No, continue... (as I was mentioning them she was asking and typing)
ME: Southern Illinois University Carbondale(Admit), Missouri(Admit), University of Idaho (Reject), Mississippi State University (Reject)
VO: Did you write any Standardised Test?
ME: Yes (GRE, 303 and IELTS 7.5)
VO: why didn't they give you scholarship, Missouri is a Big school and the test scores are okay
ME: I contacted my supervisor for RA but he said he had no space at this time
VO: I know what an assistantships is, am asking about scholarship, why didn't they give you scholarship with these your test scores? (She was speaking affirmative and authoritatively)
ME: (I didn't reply I was just looking, I didn't know what to say again)
VO: where are your parents?
ME: Nigeria
VO: have you been to the US before
ME: no ma. , I have not had a reason to go
VO: they should have given you at least a scholarship (I was just looking)
VO: what will do after your studies
ME: I will come back to Nigeria and work with an Energy firm
VO: who is your sponsor
ME:My uncle
VO: What does he do?
ME: he is into clearing and forwarding
VO: do you have any financial document
ME: Yes ma (As I was bringing the one page treasury bill paper out, she said no no no)
VO: I need bank statements, about 5 to 6 pages
ME: it's a Nigerian treasury Bill ma of 70M
VO: I need bank statement (She was raising her voice now)
ME: My uncle deposited it last year November so that it would have generated an interest of (V.O cuts in angrily)
VO: shut up!, I said shut up! I need bank statement (She was now typing very fast)
I was just looking on my own speechless( My mind was like he done happen lemme be packing my documents)
VO: (she muttered something but I didn't listen I was just packing and arranging my document inside my file)
She gave me my passport and a white paper while she circled the second part of additional document required
ME: I don't understand ma( I was expecting a blue paper or yellow paper)
VO: Listen, I was talking and you were not listening, listen, listen ( She was speaking like a Boss and somehow angry)
ME: am sorry ma (I dropped my documents and drew closer to the window fixing my gaze on her)
VO: Take this white paper with you and drop it with your passport at the DHL drop off point. You are to include a bank statement or liquid funds that shows $36,783. Liquid funds pls.
ME: Okay ma(I continued putting my documents in my Ups envelope they were spread/scattered on the tile b4)
VO: Please leave this place, go and arrange your file outside, there is a table outside pls( Authoritative and harsh yet somehow polite)
ME:OKAY

Immediately I called my uncle and explained what happened, he told me come immediately, went to the bank and Got his two fixed deposits of 10M and 15M plus his bank statement balance of 1.4M my fee requirement was 13.5M.

I called time2win and asked him if fixed deposit was a liquid fund because the Bank Manager said the F.D was Open Market, I said yes that F.D was accepted but he wasn't too sure if it was a liquid fund. I used it like that anyways submitting the documents the same day.

I was placed on A.P when I checked my status on Tuesday. This afternoon my status changed to ISSUED!

Na God do am oh.
Help me shout 7 hallaluyah to the Most High God!!!

fairheart:
SUCCESSFUL VISA INTERVIEW NUGGET TWO

If you complain that this is too long for you to read, I'm afraid to say you're not a student

HERE WE GO! First, I want you to understand I am sharing whatever you read here from personal experience as Study-abroad Consultant and as someone who has many students in my circle. Just take what you know is helpful and leave the rest. I'm going to use many words to explain few things. That is the trick of world's education system!

NOTE that the US embassy wants you to come for interview because they want to see and hear you first before they know you’re eligible for the category of visa you’re seeking. If not, there would be no need for interview. So, in this sense, you are required to prepare to be well seen and heard well.

Your next homework in preparing yourself for a successful F1 visa interview is to be psychologically calm—so that you can be seen (as genuine) and heard by the VO. Effectiveness begins in the mind, not from the documents, or the people you know. You must tackle fear, anxiety, and self-doubt rooted in lack of confidence in your own abilities. If you have never had any major interview or breakthrough a very difficult professional goal in your life, you could be a victim of fear and tension. I remember how I used to avoid eyes contact when I needed to talk to people. But now, a man that's not afraid will look you in the eyes, smiling and able to express exactly what he wants to say. So, the goal is to stand in front of the VO and remain psychologically calm as possible. To achieve this state of mind, especially if you are afraid of your upcoming interview, you may need the following:

ONE: YOU NEED AN INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT.
Get that ready as soon as you can. List all the generic questions you know the VO usually ask during F1 interview. Take each question at a time. What do you think would be ideal to say to a question like, "How did you hear about this school?" Write the response down. It should be moderate, simple and unique according to your academic and career goals. No story! If you find it hard coming up with a fine response, seek for help.

TWO: HAVE YOUR TRANSCRIPT IN YOUR HIPPOCAMPUS
I saw a transcript here last week in which the applicant quoted the VO as saying he did not need to have a prepared transcript for the interview (and visa was granted). How ignorant of the VO! The fact that he/she is a VO does not mean they have absolute understanding of how interview is conducted. Ask the VO if he/she did not prepare for the interview that got him/her the consular job? One of the things that portray a student as “not genuine” in front of a VO is inability to talk well during the interview. Believe me, this is one of the strongest reasons most F1 visas have been refused. The fundamental reason for interview is to check on the student whether he’s genuine or just taking advantage of the F1 visa category to migrate and “Japa” as some persons here would say.

So, how did you pass the exams that got you the first class, or second class upper or lower on your certificate? Because you studied your textbook, of course! Because you studied it and became familiar with the information, you kill the questions related to what you have studied on examination day. Even Presidents of nations prepare transcript for interviews, because they know they could mess up if such is lacking. There is no man that can speak and express himself effectively (especially when tense or under pressure) except the information has been well-stored and familiar with. There are not so many students who have trained their mind to be creative with words and expression when under pressure. Most of us shut down temporary and unable to say what we really desire to say or should say when under pressure and afraid.

So, for a student going for a major interview in a decade, except you really know what to say, you may not be able to say it. You should know what to say. You should know what you want to say based on your unique case ahead of the interview and that is why you need prepared yourself a transcript for the interview. Know it! Review it! Ask yourself questions and answer them about it. If I tell you that you will not be afraid upon citing the consular at the embassy, I may be wrong. Fear and doubt are a part of our existence as human being, and it is okay. Your duty as a student going to get the F1 visa is to rise above them and say what you should say to earn an approval.

I remember a time in 2016. As an advocate for youth education and our role in shaping future society, I was invited to speak at a church with over 100 members. Due to work, I did not get to outline what I will be speaking on, though the pastor sent me a topic my sermon or talk should revolve. I wanted to go on stage without a prepared speech, but when I look at the fact that I need to quote certain bible verses, I changed my mind and prepared heading and sub-heading for the speech. I then read, revise, and read what I will be saying. When I got on stage, with all eyes on me, I greeted the audience and delivered a very motivating speech. Because I had prepared what to say—knowing that the audience is aware of the topic—everything went well. The same is necessary for the F1 visa interview.
Though things may go wrong due to certain things outside our direct control, yet, preparation against possible fear, anxiety and doubt attack attracts success.

Research shows that the hippocampus (a part of the limbic system in the brain where information and memories are retrieved) lags when your mind is under pressure and fear. Now, imagine if you've nothing stored up related to this interview and your fear of “what if I am refused” captured you? This is to say you may not be able to express yourself well; confusion! The consular may think you’re not a genuine student. Though, there is exception for students who stammer.
So, read the transcript from time to time. Get familiar with it. Does that mean cramming? You call it cramming; I call it PREPARATION FOR A MAJOR INTERVIEW—one that is a defining moment for the rest of your career and even life.

IN addition to this, have mock over and over with someone who can assess you. This is as crucial as having the transcript.


THREE: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
I have seen professionals at the top of their career who have strong self-doubt in themselves. Once you tell them to go achieve something new, they come up with all sort of excuses that, if you trace the root of these excuses, you will find them in lack of confidence. Young, old, educated and uneducated all have issue of personal faith—depends on the level of success we are trying to achieve. You need to tell yourself that if others have done it and get their visas, you can do it, and do it better. A prospective student going for his interview soon told me that this evening. That's confidence!

I broke the chain of my own self-doubt several years ago, when I started reflecting on how strong I have been in the face of difficult situations. You, too, have seen a lot. You need to remind yourself that if you could go through what you've been through, be it your undergraduate education, professional training, personal growth--or whatever, you can also handle this coming interview. Revisit the list of your progresses, academic and professional experiences and endeavours. You have had your own success here and there, although you remember your failures more. So, don't listen to any shallow voice saying you can't have a nice interview and get the visa. Even Bill gate, Warren Buffet or Jeff of Amazon have times they take care of their self-doubt too. Take care of yours too, so you can do things confidently pursue and achieve your heart desires.

You need a lot of “I can do it”; a lot of "I am going to smile in there and talk to the VO”; a lot of "this is what I want for my career, and I'm going to get it." Tell yourself all these positive stuffs to heat up the root of your self-doubt and observe them dry.


FOUR: DRESS WELL & NEAT
I do not have much to say here as "well and neat" have different meaning to each person. But I will recommend you wear something you are comfortable in. Look your best. But mind you, simplicity is the best! Don't dress to the interview like Olosho (smile)


FIVE: HOPE FOR THE BEST; BALANCE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
As a young person, life has taught me that it is erroneous to think everything will always go the way I want. Sometimes, we are victim of circumstances we know nothing of, and that we cannot control—even after we have done our ultimate best!

Do not see the F1 visa as do or die, except you want to experience high blood pressure. If you have done your best, allow things to happen. Exhale all the worries that “what if I am refused” may have induced. What if you’re refused? So? You reapply! What is you’re refused again? You reapply! You don't give up just like that!

But have you also thought of “what if I am one of those good number of students Fairheart saw in his dream that got their visas in 2019? Of course! Think about that too!

This is what I call balanced expectation. Sometimes, life is 50/50! But this does not mean you should follow the erred opinion that what will be will be. No, most times, things be because we make them be. You still need to do your best. Just make sure you balance your expectation. Funny enough, balanced expectation on results we expect from our endeavours induce calm state of mind and boost confidence. Try it and see how all your worries and anxiety will be lifted. This is a magic pill I have used to liberate myself from unnecessary worries and anxiety when pursuing something I badly desire.

A balanced expectation is vital as we go through life and its modus operandi. King Solomon once said there is “factor of time and chances” at the centre of events that occur to every human being in life. Some things will go wrong even when we do the right thing. Some things will go right, even when we make mistakes and mess up. Why? Time and chances! These are forces of fate. You could be refused in May and get the visa in June or July. I always quote a close friend who was refused 8 times and got it the 9th time. I still ask why and what he did wrong during those 8 appearances at the embassy. Just imagine it too!

SIX: LAY YOUR CAUSE BEFORE GOD
This is my last advice for all of you going for F1 this fall. Whether you believe in God or not, there is God. There is God o! And one of His attributes is that, He listens to genuine prayers of those who have faith in Him. I am not trying to motivate you. This is the reality. God hears prayer! So, if you are worried, pray. If you are unsure, pray. If you think you may experience hard luck, pray. If you have stubborn confidence that you will get a visa approval, pray.

A friend told me that each time he fast and pray on a particular thing he wants, door always open. He then said if fasting is not part of the prayer for the request, he hardly see the result. We both laughed. I almost took him for a prayer warrior. But then, I remember Jesus saying in Matthew 17:21 that without fasting and prayer, certain miracle will not happen.

Hey, maybe you should pray and fast too about this favour. Because you may need God's favour or good luck (the secular term for favour) to supplement your preparation. This could be the last thing to do to open the door.

Alright dreamers! I will try and re-post this for Spring 2020 students. Don’t forget, the approval rate will be higher than refusal this year. Keep counting the visas. God bless!

shayhune:
The day is drawing nearer. Commencement is approaching. It all still feels like yesterday when we were all preparing for the GRE, applying to schools, seeking funding, asking for mock interviews, reading through past interview transcripts and looking forward to a "better" life in the United States of America. I look back at this experience and all I can say is I'm grateful to God for the journey so far. It's not been all rosy living as an international student in this foreign land but every moment has been worth it. My experience here has been one of joy and regret. Joy because I keep relishing on the fact that I'm fortunate to be out of Nigeria. Regret because I wish I knew some information before migrating. In everything, I give thanks to God.

I'll just chip in some advice for tech folks(and anyone it applies to) coming or planning to come over,so you don't make same mistakes I made.
1. Whatever you learn in class is needful but challenge yourself to hone your software development skills because what really counts are your skills, not your 4.0 CGPA.
2. For the smart geeks, practice Leetcode and HackerRank questions starting from your first semester and get familiar with their problems and solutions if you really want to scale through the tough tech interviews and land a good job that will sponsor your work visa.
3. For the not-so-smart folks, if you're not ready to receive multiple rejections(or redirections as some friends call it) for jobs you applied for, just look for a good woman(USC of course) and marry as soon as you can. I'm not a proponent of marrying for "IWE" but just know that the system is against you as an international student.
4. Lastly, all those folks claiming "I fasted and prayed before I got my visa blablabla", I hope you will/are still stay/staying close to God when you get/got here. This country is full of distractions. It takes a man who knows God to remain strong and still follow God in the face of adversity, temptations and disappointments.

Wishing all prospective students who are not seeking the student visa as an escape route and who are preparing to go for visa interviews soon the best with it. I rest my case at this point. Lemme comman be going. Au re·voir.

Allylic:
So good to be back after a long hiatus.
@ deyemzy,you can mail the grad coordinator of the program to notify him/her of the decision to reject their offer and then go ahead to accept the other one..shey they know how to serve rejection letter after the so called April 15 deadline..biko mail them and tell them you will not be attending joor.'what goes around comes around joor'
@ bracelum,fairheart and co..una well done o

femi312:
Its possible but doesn't speak well of you. However at the end of the day, its your life and only you would know what your dreams are and where you feel it will be achieved. So If I were you I will choose where my heart wants to go so I don't end up regretting later. People have done it before and people will still do it, its life. Just send a good email to whoever you have to inform.

LagosismyHome:


Yeap ... feel free to put your self first and go with the best offer or where your heart it . The school whom you declined their offer will be alright last last and they can easily give it to someone else .

AgreatMan:


First of all, I don't even know where this April 15 thing came about, lots of schools out there are yet to make decisions regarding admission n it's way past April 15.

To your question, even if you had already obtained a Visa with School A, you can still change to school B. So change if you want to, it feels awkward but it's a normal thing.

Which two programs are involved? If u care to share, people here might help u make better choices.

I feel like your problem is not whether or not u want to change, perhaps, u r not just sure of whether u should change.

Allylic:
check university of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University,Landmark university and others..

TheZed:
Congrats bro. Hopefully the funding comes through. Do you still remember me ?

Libber:

Your uncle need beating, he has truncated your USA dream with a 10years ban

Libber:

Your uncle need beating, he has truncated your USA dream with a 10years ban

philfearon:
It was actually a dare from one of his admirers.

LieutenantBOBO:


He runs a Bureau De Change in Lagos

And it's very possible that he cleans & transport cash for most politicians in the country... Politicians laundering millions of dollars, he will also get his cut there... and there's no way that they would allow the authorities come after him because if he goes down, they also go down.

I don't know thou... #just saying

GreenMavro:


Congrats to my cousin of life make e sha con use d car drive us crazy for warri